How to treat an apartment for lice at home? - briefly
Remove bedding, clothing, and washable fabrics and launder them at 130 °F (54 °C) or higher; vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister. Apply a licensed over‑the‑counter lice spray to baseboards, wait 24 hours, and repeat cleaning of high‑touch surfaces.
How to treat an apartment for lice at home? - in detail
A lice infestation in a dwelling demands a systematic, multi‑stage approach that addresses personal items, textiles, and the environment.
First, separate the affected individual(s) from shared spaces. Dress the person in clean, lice‑free clothing and keep them in a room that can be sealed off for at least 24 hours. This limits immediate re‑contamination.
Next, treat all washable fabrics. Machine‑wash bedding, curtains, towels, and clothing on the hottest cycle the fabric tolerates (minimum 130 °F/54 °C). Follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle lasting at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse away from a host.
Thoroughly clean the interior surfaces. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and floor seams using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or clean the canister immediately. Steam‑clean hard surfaces, mattresses, and couches with a temperature of at least 130 °F, which kills both lice and their eggs. After steaming, wipe down with a disinfectant approved for household use.
Apply chemical treatments only on surfaces that can tolerate them. Over‑the‑counter pediculicide sprays containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin may be applied to cracks, baseboards, and furniture crevices. Follow label instructions precisely, ensure adequate ventilation, and keep children and pets out of the treated area for the recommended period.
For those preferring non‑chemical options, consider diatomaceous earth, finely powdered, spread lightly on carpets and vacuumed after 24 hours. A solution of 10 % tea‑tree oil mixed with water can be sprayed on non‑porous surfaces, but avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Prevent recurrence by instituting routine measures: weekly vacuuming of all floors and upholstery, daily washing of personal linens in hot water, and discouraging the sharing of hats, combs, or hair accessories. Inspect hair and scalp of all household members every 2‑3 days for a month after initial treatment.
Finally, schedule a follow‑up inspection after 7 days and again after 14 days. If live lice are still detected, repeat the laundering and environmental cleaning cycle, and consider consulting a professional pest‑control service for targeted interventions.